We read in 2 Thessalonians 1:3:
We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
In this season of Thanksgiving, I too give thanks for you, the body of Orenco Church, for your steadfastness, faith, hope, and love for one another. This fall has been exciting at Orenco. We have seen sixty to seventy people at Alpha each Wednesday evening, our youth groups are growing, many in the congregation are busy putting together Operation Christmas Child boxes for children around the world, others are collecting undergarments and other clothing for the homeless, and meanwhile we gather for worship and for Bible study each week.
Our church is a busy church. I see some of you on almost a daily basis, as you make your way to another study or to help in the kitchen or participate in some other way in the life of the church.
God is moving among us. I – for one – can’t wait to see what he is going to do next.
I give thanks for you not only for your activity but for your commitment to your faith and your desire to grow. I hear from some of you that Alpha is making a difference for you. You are looking for Bible studies or opening your own Bible at home. I hear from others that our Monday and Tuesday studies excite you. I see new kids at youth group who return and who bring friends. And I see you worship – thoughtfully, quietly, and giving thanks to the Lord our God.
He is good. He is indeed good.
In this season of Thanksgiving, take moments to offer your thanks. I am giving thanks for all of you. And I can’t wait to worship with you on Thanksgiving eve at 7:00 pm. There will be an opportunity to share what you’re thankful for, if you desire to do so.
May God bless you this Thanksgiving and may he continue to bless us and those around us by his work through our church. Amen!
Rachel